Frank Stronach's sexual assault trial nears verdict
The 93-year-old Magna founder faces five charges related to three complainants. A judge could rule Friday after the Crown withdrew several allegations during trial.
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Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy is expected to render a decision Friday, June 19 on whether Frank Stronach is guilty of sexual assault charges, concluding a judge-alone trial that began in February.
The 93-year-old founder of auto-parts giant Magna International faces five counts related to three female complainants: indecent assault, sexual assault, and a combination of both. The charges stem from allegations spanning 1977 to 1990.
When the trial began, Stronach faced 12 counts from seven complainants, including historical charges of rape and attempted rape. Throughout testimony, the Crown withdrew multiple charges, citing insufficient evidence to sustain findings of guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Molloy indicated near trial's end that she would find Stronach not guilty on two counts related to one complainant.
Many of the seven complainants testified they met Stronach at Rooney's, a Toronto restaurant he owned, before accepting invitations to his Harbourfront condo, where they alleged he assaulted them. Two women described incidents at other locations — one alleged rape in a hotel, another an attempted rape in a midtown apartment.
Stronach attended court daily but never testified in his own defence. He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. He faces a second trial in Newmarket next year involving six additional complainants after the case was split into two proceedings.